England Rugby League head coach Shaun Wane has insisted there is “no question” he is the right man to take the national side into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea, despite a disappointing 3-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia.

Wane, 61, has been in charge of England since 2020, succeeding Wayne Bennett, and guided the team to a World Cup semi-final in 2022, where they suffered a narrow golden-point defeat to Samoa. Since then, Wane has overseen series victories over Tonga and Samoa, winning 14 of his 19 matches in charge.

Despite these achievements, his position came under scrutiny during the recent Ashes series, as Australia dominated England at Wembley, Hill Dickinson Stadium, and AMT Headingley.

Wane Backs Himself to Lead England

When asked directly if he should remain as head coach, Wane was unequivocal. “Absolutely. No question about that,” he told BBC Sport. In a post-match media briefing, he added:

“I don’t believe – I know I am [the right man]. The only people I want backing from are the players and staff, and I know I have that. Talks aren’t planned yet, but we’ll do a report on the series and what we think we need to improve. We’re all going in the same direction.”

Wane emphasized that he would submit recommendations to the Rugby Football League (RFL) in the coming weeks to ensure the squad is prepared for the World Cup.

Series Challenges and Selection Criticism

Critics have pointed to several selection decisions during the Ashes series, including changes to England’s spine after the first Test and a lack of attacking penetration. The omission of Jake Connor, Super League’s Man of Steel winner, and the limited role of Mikey Lewis sparked debate among fans and pundits.

Wane also had to adapt without Victor Radley, leaving England without a ball-playing number 13 in the early games. Adjustments, including pairing Harry Smith and George Williams at halves and introducing Morgan Smithies, brought some improvement, but the team ultimately fell short against the world champions.

Players Rally Behind Wane

Despite the defeats, Wane enjoys unanimous support from his squad. Captain George Williams stated:

“No doubt at all. We all believe in him 100%. What we’ve built in this series has been really good and Shaun is definitely the right man. As players, we just focus on ourselves. We believed we could do something special, but it’s 3-0, which is a bit embarrassing.”

Other players, including Hull KR hooker Jez Litten and St Helens prop Matty Lees, praised Wane’s leadership. Lees said:

“He [Shaun Wane] is the perfect fit for the job. I love every chance I get to play under him; he brings the best out of me and is one of the best coaches I have had.”

Wane’s Career and Determination

Wane’s defiance comes from a lifetime of overcoming challenges, from a difficult upbringing to becoming a professional Rugby League player and successful coach. He achieved major honours with Wigan Warriors, led England to series wins over Tonga and Samoa, and is widely respected for his motivational skills.

The 3-0 Ashes loss is unfamiliar territory, but Wane has a history of learning from setbacks. He points out that prior to the series, he had no on-field sessions with players in 2025 due to league scheduling, which he plans to highlight in his report to the RFL.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup approaching, Wane is determined to address the team’s weaknesses and ensure England is competitive on the world stage. Despite criticism, his players’ support and his proven track record suggest he remains the right man to lead England into the tournament.